Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the XIII European Congress of Entomology, the French Entomological Society and the Praesidium for European Entomology, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to Tours, France, in the heart of the Loire Valley, from June 29 to July 3, 2026.

Following the long and successful tradition of previous ECE meetings – from the inaugural congress in Reading in 1978 to the vibrant gathering in Heraklion in 2023 – ECE 2026 continues to bring together the international entomological community to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future research.

Today, as the world faces profound ecological and sociological challenges, the role of insects has never been more vital – or more fascinating. Insects and their associated micro-organisms are recognized as key allies in addressing a wide range of interconnected societal issues. They provide essential ecosystem services – such as pollination, pest regulation, nutrient cycling, and soil enhancement – and increasingly contribute to sustainable food production, organic waste recycling, and the development of bio-based innovations. At the same time, they remind us of the delicate balance between benefits and risks: while some insects act as pests, vectors of disease, or invasive species, others offer powerful, nature-based solutions to foster ecosystem resilience, improve human, animal or plant health, and support the transition toward a more sustainable future.

ECE 2026 is the ideal forum for exploring this duality and the infinite diversity of insect species, evolutionary strategies, and insect-human interactions. With a rich program of plenary and keynote lectures, symposia, and poster sessions, our goal is to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue – from fundamental science to applied innovation, from the molecular scale to global policy, and from biodiversity conservation to sustainable development.

And what better place to have these conversations than Tours? Nestled between the Loire River and an even more irresistible river of local wine, Tours offers the perfect place to explore the French art de vivre. Expect brilliant discussions by day, and equally brilliant wines and cheeses by night. Our historic city, surrounded by the stunning Loire Valley châteaux, invites you to slow down, taste, reflect, and perhaps even fall in love – with entomology all over again.

We are committed to making ECE 2026 a memorable and high-quality experience, full of engaging science, new connections, and yes – a bit of gastronomic inspiration. After all, where else can you attend a congress on insects, then toast to them with a glass of sparkling Vouvray?

We look forward to welcoming you warmly to Tours in 2026.

Bienvenue à Tours!

On behalf of the Organizing Committee,

David GIRON
Chair of ECE 2026

University of Tours / National Centre for Scientific Research – Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI), France